Meth raises it ugly head on a Sunday – meth raid south of Hurley, WI sends man to Ironwood hospital – and meth components found abounded along highway in Marquette County

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 4-29-18 – 5:17 p.m. ET

Meth Mess: Methamphetamine Components littered in Marquette County; Hurley, WI man hospitalized in Ironwood after meth lab raid

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Marquette, MI) – A Wisconsin man was taken to an Ironwood, MI hospital after an apparent meth lab bust at his home south of Hurley, WI – plus meth components found in Marquette County near Skandia, MI.

About 8:30 a.m. Central Time, police requested an ambulance at 7924N Pleasant Lake Road for a man having a panic attack following an apparent meth lab bust.

The 39-year-old man with a history of stroke was taken from the scene to the Aspirus Grand View Ironwood Hospital

An officer one the scene requested a K-9 unit due to a meth lab. The officer said he needed to know if another agency “whether they have a dog that is able to assist or not.”

“Can you send me a picture of the suspected lad,” an officer asked another who was scrambling his communication – often a technique used by the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team (GIANT) during drug raids.

“Is there any liquid in it,” the officer asked.
——-
Meanwhile in Marquette County, the discovery of meth components Sunday afternoon led to the notification of the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET).

The incident was reported about 1:20 p.m. ET today, Sunday, April 29, 2018.

Michigan State Police from the Negaunee Post were sent to near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Kunde Road in Skandia, MI.

Kunde Road is also known as County Road TA.

“We do have meth components here,” radioed a Michigan State Police trooper to Marquette County Central Dispatch.

“Its on the east side of the roadway about 150 feet south of the Chocolay Township line,” the trooper  said.

 

For second time in five years, an Ironwood, MI woman is facing accusations she is running a meth lab

URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 4-23-18 – 4:07 p.m. CT – 5:07 p.m. ET –

Ironwood, MI woman arrested Monday (again) for allegedly operating a meth lab

Michelle Lee Kitto, MDOC Mugshot

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Ironwood, MI) – For the second time in five years, an Ironwood woman has been charged with operating a meth lab.

47-year-old Michelle Lee Kitto of 134 S. Mansfield Street in Ironwood, MI was arrested late this morning after an officer showed up at her door with a bench warrant.

Michelle Lee Kitto

Michelle Lee Kitto

Kitto, also known as Michelle Lee Rappley, was arrested about 12:45 p.m. Central Time, this afternoon Monday, April 23, 2018.

Kitto was arrested on the warrant and had a bond totaling almost $9,000.
Kitto was arrested on a Gogebic County Circuit Court bench warrant for failure to appear in court for new felony charge of operating and maintaining a meth lab.

Details of Kittos latest arrest is not known. So far, officials had not announced another meth raid.

That wasn’t the case five years ago:

Kitto was among three people arrested in May 2013 following Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team (GIANT) drug raids at homes in Gogebic County including 229 South Mansfield Street – a block from today’s arrest.

However five years ago, it took two state drug teams to cleanup the mess left after the meth lab was raided and Kitto was arrested.

At the time, GIANT called in the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) to assist in cleaning up both locations that were raided.

Michelle Lee Kitto, MDOC Mugshot

Kitto was charged with five counts of operating or maintaining a meth lab and one count of operating or maintaining a drug lab in the presence of a minor – and held on a $200,0000 bond.

Under a plea bargain, Kitto pleaded guilty in April 2014 to one count of operating and maintaining a meth lab.

She received a two-year sentence – however it is unclear how long she actually spent in prison or jail.

Kitto was discharged from probation in April 2016.

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=928373

Offense: Operating/Maintaining a Lab Involving Methamphetamine
Gogebic County
Maximum Sentence: 2 years
Date of Offense: 5/08/2013
Date of Sentence: 4/22/2014
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 4/21/2016
Discharge Reason: Offender Discharge

Prominent Escanaba attorney among those arrested in Delta County and Marquette County in past few days including four people charged with domestic assault – plus thefts, drugs, and resisting arrest

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-17-18 – 8:20 p.m.

Attorney accused of drunken driving; four charged with domestic assault, plus thefts and drugs

Macalah Marinoff

James Beaumont

Bryce Cain

Attorney Jayne Mackowiak

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Escanaba, MI) – A Delta County Public Defender was among those arrested since Valentine’s Day – and others including three domestic assaults plus theft.

A prominent Escanaba area attorney, known for her work as a court-appointed defense lawyer, was arrested Friday night on drunken driving charges.

Attorney Jayne Mackowiak

Attorney Jayne Mackowiak

Attorney Jayne Mackowiak

58-year-old veteran lawyer Jayne E. Mackowiak of Gladstone, MI was booked into the Delta County Detention Center (DCDC) at 9:49 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.

Mackowiak is charged with operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL) per se. Mackowiak remained jailed with no bond on Saturday night.

Recently, Mackowiak was in the news when she was appointed to represent two children found in a disgraceful Rapid River, MI house.

The horrid case began in March of 2017 – when a shivering, naked toddler was found by a neighbor’s dog.

The inhumane conditions in the rodent-infested filthy house included floors coated with feces from several types of animals, dirty diapers, and rotting garbage.

Mackowiak helped getting the girls out of the filth and into a nice foster home setting where they are thriving.

——-

28-year-old Brent Forsyth of Menominee, MI was booked Friday night on at least three charges.

The charges a similar to a case against him last November – and that indicates he was sentenced on Friday – with a CCW charge dropped.

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2017/11/27/booze-drugs-fueled-violent-weekend-in-marquette-and-delta-counties

Forsyth was booked into the Delta County Detention Center (DCDC) at 8:14 p.m. ET on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.
Forsyth is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm while under the influence of intoxicants and third-offense operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL, drunken driving).
Its appears the Escanaba media decided not to cover this case. So we did.

——-

Meanwhile there were at least four brutal assaults in the Escanaba and Marquette area:
——

Bryce Cain

Bryce Cain

26-year-old Bryce A. Cain, formerly of Marquette, MI, was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 5:19 a.m. ET this morning on Sat., Feb. 17, 2018.

Cain is charged with domestic assault.

Cain was being held Saturday night on a $5,000 bond.

A former NMU student, Cain lists his home address as Whitehall, MI.

——-

James Beaumont

29-year-old James Beaumont of Negaunee, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 7:32 p.m. ET on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.

Beaumont is charged with domestic assault.

Bond has not been set for Beaumont.

——-

Accused of a Valentine’s Day assault, 27-year-old Melinda Knight, address unconfirmed, was released on bond from the MCJ at 4:20 p.m. ET on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.
Knight was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 11:41 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 14, 2018.
Knight is charged with domestic assault.

If you have information about what happened or a photo of Knight please contact us

——-

Macalah Marinoff

Accused of a Valentine’s Day assault two days earlier, 22-year-old Macalah Marinoff of Marquette, MI was released on bond at 4:32 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.

She is charged with domestic assault.

Marinoff was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 5:32 p.m. ET on Wed., Feb. 14, 2018.

——-

33-year-old Jennifer Estes, address unconfirmed, was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 1:28 a.m. ET on Wed., Feb. 14, 2018.
Estes is charged with second offense operating while impaired (OWI) and resisting arrest/obstructing a police officer.
Estes remained in jail on Saturday night under a$10,000 bond.

——-

35-year-old Joseph Erickson of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 1:35 a.m. on Thurs., Feb. 15, 2018.

Erickson is charged with larceny (between $200 and $1,000), trespassing/refusal to depart, and possession of an analogue, a controlled substance.

He also has ties to Gwinn, MI.

Erickson remained jail Saturday night under a $10,000 bond.

——-

19-year-old Noah Moore Hodgson of Marquette, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 11:30 p.m. ET on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.
Hodgson is charged with attempt larceny from a building.
Bond for Hodgson is $5,000 and he remained jailed Saturday night.

——-

25-year-old Lee Wallace of Marquette, MI was booked into the Delta County Detention Center (DCDC) at 9:31 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 14, 2018 and released on bond early the next afternoon.
Wallace is charged with possession of a controlled substance (narcotic or cocaine).

——-

29-year-old Andrew Steeno of Gwinn, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at 5:29 p.m. ET on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.
Steeno is charged with being a “fugitive from justice.”

——-

 

With last week’s heroin wins, federal prosecutors in Marquette, MI are preparing take down an armed meth ring allegedly operating in three U.P. counties

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-14-18 – 5:30 p.m. ET –

Federal prosecutors prep for meth ring that allegedly spread the devious highly-addictive drug in Ontonagon, Gogebic and Baraga counties:

Where is the ever-present pseudoephedrine supply coming from?

Hundreds – if not thousands of lives – have been ruined in the U.P. due to Meth, heroin, opioids, and fentanyl – and cops are trying hard to stop the flow

Dion Roy Jolliff

30-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Smith of Ontonagon, MI

27-year-old Kathryn Maria Hellen of Ironwood, MI

35-year-old Patrick Joseph Sievers of Ironwood, MI

Feds brought down heroin ring during trials last week – with several convictions and one not guilty verdict

(Scroll down to read all new federal indictments – download for free as we paid for them  another one of those five hour reads like meth trial)

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Marquette, MI) – Federal prosecutors in Marquette, MI are now focused on an upcoming big meth trial – this after they got several heroin distribution convictions last week and only one loss.

Federal prosecutors have one meth defendant ready to testify and three others charged in new indictments for an alleged meth distribution ring that distributed untold pounds of the deadly drug in three Upper Peninsula counties.

The amounts of meth involved are vague – however in one case seven ounces was sold and in another incident 220 grams. Police confiscated weapons, thousands of dollars in cash and a plethora of items used to manufacture and sell meth like scales and baggies. The ring operated for at least two years, according to the indictment.

Like all good undercover probes, police use wires and confidential informants to make purchases of meth.

Charged in the meth ring that prosecutors say was operating in the western Upper Peninsula:

35-year-old Patrick Joseph Sievers of Ironwood, MI
27-year-old Kathryn Maria Hellen of Ironwood, MI
43-year-old Dion R. Jolliff of Ontonagon, MI (Milwaukee and Watertown, WI)
30-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Smith of Ontonagon, MI

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An initial pretrial conference on the latest meth distribution indictment for Jolliff, Hellen and Sievers is set for March 7, 2018. The trio are set to go to trial on April 9, 2017.

In their arsenal, federal prosecutions have suspects on audio and videotapes – made during undercover buys with an informant wearing a wire.

The charges involve the distribution of meth across the western Upper Peninsula – while armed with handguns – during most of 2016 and 2017.

The indictments claim some of the suspects were armed with handguns “in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.”

The weapons included a loaded Taurus International .357 magnum revolver and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol. The operation allegedly were run from homes in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties including on Dutch Road in Rockland, MI; and on Pennsylvania Ave. in Ontonagon.

Prosecutors say Sievers, with help from Smith, allegedly distributed meth in Ontonagon and Gogebic Counties. Prosecutors say Jolliff, Sievers and Hellen allegedly distributed meth in Ontonagon and Baraga counties. Trial is set in less than two months.

Recently there have been several motions in the case that allowed two defendants to be released on bond after completing substance abuse treatment.

The Marquette federal prosecutors on the case are Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat.

The cases are now joined together – after numerous motions, indictments, and even a superseding indictment.
The trio were given an extension to file their motions and other pretrial paperwork because of the new indictment in December 2017.

U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney

Chief U.S. District Court Judge the Hon. Paul L. Maloney approved a prosecution motion to dismiss previous charges against Kathryn Maria Hellen and Diona Roy Jolliff – as a new indictment was handed down.
On Nov. 27, 2017, Smith entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Smith agrees to plead guilty to one of the meth distribution charges in the first superseding indictment.

Smith told federal prosecutors she bought meth from Sievers in Ontonagon County on March 23, 2017 for the purpose of distribution. Smith has agreed to cooperate with a myriad of law enforcement agencies as the feds, state ad local police try to stop the endless supply of meth in the Upper Peninsula.

Smith could received the maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, or on on the other end of the justice scale – the minimum penalty is three years of supervised release. On Feb. 12, 2018, a judge approved personal recognizance bond (PR) bond for Hellen. She was/is undergoing intense treatment at Great Lakes Recovery Center.

Basically, the order extends bond conditions from Hellen’s initial arrest remain in place, as she and Jolliff have been charged in a new indictment.

These conditions for the Hellen PR bond includes do not leave the U.P. , cannot possession or consume alcohol and illegal drugs, can’t possession guns, and must surrender if ordered to by federal pretrial services.

She cannot have any contact – in any way – with witnesses in the case inducing, but not limited to, two witnesses identified only by initials P.S. and J.S.

On Feb. 9, 2018, Jolliff requested a jury trial, according to Jolliff’s Initial Pretrial Conference Summary Statement.

On Dec. 12, 2017, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley approved the dismissal of the previous indictment against Jolliff and Helen as the new superseding indictment had just been returned.

1-29-18 Pretrial extension for defense motions for Jolliff, Hellen, and Sievers

2-9-18 Dion R. Jolliff asks jury trial Initial Pretrial Conference Summary Statement

2-17-18 Judge Greeley orders Hellen PR bond

10-25-17 Criminal Complaint Kathryn Maria Hellen 1

10-25-17 Criminal Complaint Kathryn Maria Hellen 2

10-31-17 Penalty Sheet Kathryn Maria Hellen

11-1-17 Superseding indictment Sievers, Smith

11-21-17 Indictment Hellen, Jolliff

11-27-17 Plea Agreement Jennifer Elizabeth Smith

12-5-17 U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley dismissed indictment of Jolliff, Hellen

12-5-17 Chief U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney orders dismissal Jolliff, Hellen without prejudice

12-5-17 Motion to dismiss Hellen, Jolliff because now in new case with Sievers

12-5-17 Penalty sheet 2nd Superseding indictment Hellen, Jolliff, Sievers

12-5-17 Superseding indictment Jolliff, Sievers, Hellen

12-7-17 Hellen motion for bond stipulations, conditions

12-20-17 Jennifer Elizabeth Smith bond motion to attend treatment

Patrick Joseph Sievers (1)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Magistrate Case: 2:17-mj-00019-TPG

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 3 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4 Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 1s Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 5s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 6s Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 7s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 8s Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 1ss Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 3ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4ss Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 5ss Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i), 18:924(c)(1)(C)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 6ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Count: 7ss Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i), 18:924(c)(1)(C)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Patrick Joseph Sievers represented by Elizabeth A. LaCosse (FPD)(Designation Public Defender or Community Defender Appointment)
Phone: (906) 226-3050
Fax: (906) 273-0070
Email: beth_lacosse@fd.org
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Jennifer Elizabeth Smith (2)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2-3 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 4 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Jennifer Elizabeth Smith represented by Michael J. Manning (Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (906) 786-7224
Email: mmanning@mmanninglaw.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner (Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Kathryn Maria Hellen (3)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 10 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 12 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 13 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 14 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 15 Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 16 Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 8 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Released

defendant: Kathryn Maria Hellen represented by Monica Mary Lubiarz-Quigley(Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (906) 253-9330
Email: office544@yahoo.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Dion Roy Jolliff (4)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 10 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 11 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 12 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 8 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 9 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Dion Roy Jolliff represented by Richard E. Zambon(Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (616) 456-7831
Email: rick@zambonlaw.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

DRIVE-BY BAR SHOOTING IN GOGEBIC COUNTY: SWAT called for high risk arrest after “drive-by” shooting incident – Bessemer Township man arrested – Gogebic Iron SWAT Team paged into the sheriff’s office for a Sunday call in Bessemer, MI area

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin Update – 2-12-18

The man charged with five felonies in connection with a drive-by shooting involving an assault rifle in Gogebic County was arraigned today.

Cory William Leuzzo

29-year-old Cory William Leuzzo of Ramsay, MI is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, and felony firearms possession, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, discharging a firearm at/or inside a building and threat of terrorism.

Bond for Leuzzo is set at $100,000.

The felonies were authorized by Gogebic County Prosecutor Nick Jacobs.
Leuzzo allegedly used an assault rifle to fire numerous rounds from his vehicle near the Keystone Bar.
The shooting incident happened after a Leuzzo and female acquaintance had an argument.
Nobody was hurt.

2-12-18 – Bessemer Township man arrested by SWAT after drive-by shooting incident earlier Sunday – 1:10 p.m. CT

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Bessemer Township, MI) – The Gogebic Iron SWAT Team was called out Sunday afternoon to make a high risk arrest following a “drive-by” shooting incident earlier in the day near a bar in Gogebic County.

No one was injured during the arrest or during the reported shooting incident.

A 29-year-old Bessemer Township man remains jailed after his arrest about 4 p.m. CT on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. Officers planned the arrest after 12-hour probe into a reported shooting incident near the Keystone Bar in Ramsay.

It is not clear if the bar was targeted or something/someone else. A motive has not been released.

Gogebic County 911 received the call about a shooting about 1:55 a.m. CT on Sunday. Gogebic County deputies and Michigan State Police responded to the call.

The man is being held under a $100,000 bond and is to be arraigned today.

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URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-11-18 – 2:52 p.m. CT – 3:52 p.m. ET

Gogebic Iron SWAT Team activated on a Sunday – Call in Bessemer, MI area

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

**If you have information on this event – please privately contact U.P. Breaking News

(Bessemer, MI) – The Gogebic Iron SWAT Team was activated this Sunday afternoon for a situation in Bessemer, MI.

SWAT Team was paged at 1:50 p.m. CT on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018.

U.P. Breaking News decided to hold this story for about an hour – to give police time to respond.

The Gogebic Iron SWAT Team was paged and told to gather at the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department.

The incident is said to be in the Bessemer, MI area. All police/EMS feeds from that end of the U.P. abruptly ended about 2:15 p.m. CT – could be coincidence..

The team has been used in many drug raids and to help end hostage/domestic type situations.

No injuries have been reported.

Temps will continue to drop to dangerous levels below zero (-16 F, -25 wind-chill) as day turns to evening and into night.

UPDATE – Marquette County: Men and woman arrested for domestic violence, attempted strangulation, and a myriad of different types of thefts, serious parole violations

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People pummeling other people – and even attempted strangulation – are among the charges filed against U.P. residents in Marquette County

Men and woman charged with domestic violence related offenses

By Greg Peterson
Upper Peninsula Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Upper Peninsula of Michigan) – Even as we wrote this story, Marquette County law enforcement officers were rushing to another domestic violence case in Negaunee Township.

*****Update 6:11 a.m. – we now have the arrest info on that attack that was going on as we posted this story – in an incident in Negaunee Township that reportedly terrified a 7-year-old niece.

There were also several theft, embezzlement, theft from employer, and shoplifting calls today in the U.P.

While those cases are under investigation, at least three people were charged with domestic violence related charges in Marquette County in past few days.

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33-year-old Mark A. Tilly of Negaunee Township, MI was booked into the Marquette County Jail at about 4:50 p.m. this afternoon, Jan. 11, 2018.

Tilley is charged with felony assault and battery; and second offense driving with a suspended license. He is being held without bond. A photo was unavailable, send us a photo if you have one.

In Feb. 2014, Tilly was driving a sedan that collided head-on with a Negaunee Public Schools bus on North Road near Kivela Road. None of the 12 students were injured nor the 65-year-old bus driver. Tilly was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. He was ticketed for driving too fast for conditions.

29-year-old Nicklous McCormick of Gwinn, MI was arrested Wednesday night, Jan. 10, 2017 in Marquette County.
McCormick was booked into the Marquette County Jail (MCJ) at about 7:30 p.m..
McCormick is charged with felony assault by strangulation.
A Native of Georgia, McCormick is being held without bond.

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36-year-old Matthew Richard Goss of  Gwinn, MI was booked into the MCJ at 2:24 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Jan. 9, 2018 on a charge of domestic assault.  He was released on$5,000 bond about 10 hours later. Photo unavailable – send us one if you have it.

 

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33-year-old Jennifer Marie Estes of Marquette, MI was booked into the MCJ one minute to midnight on Jan. 10, 2018 on a charge of domestic assault.

Estes was released today, Jan.11, 2018 on $10,000 bond.

In Oct. 2014 in Marquette County District Court, Estes was sentenced to 45 days in jail deferred, 12 months probation and nearly $1,400 in fines for drunk driving with a blood alcohol level of at least .17.

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Thefts arrest at Marquette County Jail this week:

Joshua Todd Kositzke, 26, of Bark River, MI booked Jan. 9 2018, third degree retail fraud. Kositzke served 30 days in jail in Marquette County in Nov. 2017 for trespassing. He is forbidden from entering Elmer’s County Market or Massie’s Store

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Elizabeth Kohtala, 32, of Ishpeming, MI, booked Jan. 9, 2018, larceny between $1,000-$20,000, $10,000 bond is set.

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Desiree Aho, 28, Marquette, MI, booked Jan. 10, 2018, stealing/taking a financial transaction device without permission, $10,000 bond set. Listed online as a employee of the Gwinn middle schools.

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Britni L. Brady, 28, of Marquette, MI; booked Jan. 10, 2018, stealing/taking a financial transaction device without permission. Bond set at $10,000.

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Brock Tanner Colberg, 24, of Marquette, MI (and other addresses like Ramsay, MI) ; booked this afternoon, Jan. 11, 2018; second degree retail fraud and third degree retail fraud. Bond not set.

Colberg, then 19, was arrested in Aug. 2013 and charged with charged with possession of meth with intent to deliver (marijuana, pills) and resisting arrest/obstructing a police officer in Gogebic County

In May 2015, Colberg was sentenced to 10 months county jail time on attempted possession of meth and was paroled in Sept. 2016. The incident involves the Gogebic County arrest with another youth.

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Court Violations in Marquette County:

31-year-old Carli Jean Nevala of Negaunee, MI, booked Jan. 10, 2018, district court probation violation involving banned from drinking alcohol.

In August 2017, Nevala was sentenced to 180 days in jail for second offense operating while impaired plus 24 months probation and a $2,000 fine.

Nevala was paroled from state prison in March 2016 after serving just over a one-year for impaired driving for a Dec. 2017 incident in Marquette County.

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29-year-old  Jennifer Sue Vaughan of Marquette, MI was arrested on a parole violation about 5 a.m. today, Jan. 11, 2018.

Vaughan is being held without bond.

Vaughan was paroled from state prison on June 2016 after serving one year for operating a meth lab  in connection with a March 2015 raid.

Her parole would have ended in March 2018. Her MDOC rap sheet states she has numerous aliases. She has numerous parole conditions set.

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Drugs arrests this week in Marquette County:

35-year-old Chad Dannial-Paul Heikkinen of Marquette,MI was booked into the MCJ at about 9 a.m. today, Jan. 11, 2018.

Heikkinen is charged with possession of Schedule I, II, and III narcotics.

Heikkinen served two years in state prison on two felony cocaine convictions involving a May 2009 arrest in Dickinson County. He was sentenced in March 2012 and released in March 2013.

 

 

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Drug busts: Meth, pill arrests across the U.P. – Houghton, Menominee, and Wakefield

Update 1-9-18 6 p.m. – Names released in Menominee Busts

David Martin

Leslie Yang

Brittany DeGayner

Jacob Martin

Names Released: Four people busted for alleged selling heroin and meth across the street from the Menominee High School.
The four were arraigned in Menominee County District Court on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, according to Menominee County Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Rogg.
The four Menominee, MI residents arrested are:
26-year-old Leslie Yang
29-year-old Brittany DeGayner, also lived in Marinette, WI
34-year-old Jacob L. Martin
36-year-old David Gerald Martin

Scroll down to read more….

In a series of press releases, Upper Peninsula drug teams announced today they had made numerous meth and pill drug busts in past few days

By Greg Peterson
S.E. Social Justice Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

In Houghton County, the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement team (UPSET)  arrested two men in connection with a meth investigation:

The suspects are:

35-year-old Terry Bartlett of Houghton, MI and a 29-year-old  Hancock, MI man. U.P. Breaking News is still trying to confirm the name of the Hancock man.

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Meanwhile in deputies raided a meth and heroin drug house in Menominee , MI on Fri., Dec. 5, 2018 – located across from the Menominee High School and arrested four suspects.

Three suspects were arrested on immediately on warrants by the Menominee County Sheriff’s department. During the search, the person in charge of the residence showed up and was arrested.

Six charges have been filed against the four subjects who remain  in the Menominee County Jail. The charges include possession of heroin and meth, possession of meth with intent to deliver within a school zone, and maintaining a drug house.

Police confiscated a small  amount of heroin and meth plus many items needed to run a drug ring and package drugs for sale

 Officers found baggies used for packaging narcotics, over 100 syringe needles, a ledger to account for drug sales, digital scales and more.

The suspects even had Narcan, that can be used to save a person’s life during an opioid overdose.

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In Wakefield, MI, two people were arrested Friday by the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics team (GIANT). 

38-year-old Paul Robert Rooni and 45-year-old Jessica Ann Boggetto are both charged with  conspiracy to deliver of a Schedule 2 controlled substance – a seven-year felony,  and a high court misdemeanor of maintaining a drug house that carries two years if convicted.

Boggetto is also charged possession of a Schedule 2 controlled substance, a two-year felony.

Rooni and Boggetto are both currently lodged at the Gogebic County Jail on a $200,000 at 10 percent bond.

GIANT was assisted with a search warrant by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

To contact GIANT or report something to them, you can call their toll-free number at 1-855-644-4219 or email them at giantdrugteam@gmail.com.

Violating the RICO Act: Delta County lawsuit against big pharma and chain pharmacies due to Opioid Crisis – as did Chippewa County and others

Delta County and Chippewa County join federal lawsuit telling big pharma and chain pharmacies to stop killing Upper Peninsula residents with opioids

There have been numerous drugs overdoses overnight including two in Marquette County. NarCan was used on one victim who regained consciousness in Ishpeming, MI

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Delta County/Marquette, MI) – Delta County And Chippewa County have joined others cities and counties across Michigan and Wisconsin – charging big pharma and chain pharmacies of creating the opioid epidemic that has killed many Upper Peninsula residents – and hundreds of thousands in deaths across the USA.

In fact, the civil suits alleged these companies are a crime organization – The Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act – aka the RICO Act.

That’s a heavy weight charge usually used on the mob and others in  organized crime.

Read or download the Delta County lawsuit:

Delta County vs Big Pharma, Chain Pharmacies (1)

Delta County vs Big Pharma, Chain Pharmacies (2)

 

The alleged bad guys:

Purdue Pharma L.P.
Cephalon, Inc.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Endo International PLC
Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Insys Therapeutics, Inc.
Mallinckrodt PLC
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Allergan PLC
Actavis LLC
Actavis Pharma, Inc.
Watson Laboratories, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
AmerisourceBergen Corporation
Cardinal Health, Inc.
McKesson Corporation
Omnicare Distribution Center LLC
Masters Pharmaceutical, Inc.
CVS Health Corporation
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Rite Aid Corporation
Costco Wholesale Corporation

“As in communities across the country, the adverse effects of opioid addiction radiate across the County of Delta. When workers in the County of Delta become addicted, it decreases their productivity and their earning power, and ultimately harms the local economy. “

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE REPORT OF DRUG RELATED RISKS AND OUTCOMES: UNITED STATES, 2017, at 41-42 (2017

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/pubs/2017-cdc-drug-surveillance-report.pdf

Delta County “households fall victim to the opioid epidemic, the children that rely on them fall victim as well—increasing the strain on social-service providers. The opioid epidemic has, perhaps, its most pernicious effects in neighborhoods where drugs are sold. The illegal drug trade often invites violence and decimates the quality of life for innocent families living nearby. Many choose to leave. The opioid epidemic has contributed to the destabilization of communities and neighborhoods in the County of Delta and elsewhere, and, in turn, has deprived the County of
Delta of tax revenue and increased the costs of delivering public services.”

Plaintiff, the County of Delta, accordingly brings this civil action to eliminate or, at a minimum, reduce the imminent threat to public health and safety in the County of Delta caused by the opioid epidemic, to abate the nuisance caused thereby, and to recoup monies spent to address the harm that resulted from: (1) the false, deceptive and unfair marketing of prescription opioids by Defendants, and from (2) Defendants’ failure to stop plainly suspicious orders of opioids, as defined below. The economic damages suffered by Plaintiff were caused by the use of opioid products that were foreseeable to Defendants and were sustained through Defendants’ patterns of activity directly resulting from their reckless, intentional and unlawful acts and omissions

U.P. MM Kingpin loses property, cash and freedom: Big federal prison time for kingpin of the largest rogue medical marijuana operation ever busted in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – we have the federal documents and exclusive photos of his growing operation in Bruce Crossing, MI

 U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 12-1-17 Bruce crossing man sent to federal prison for more than 12 years for rogue medical marijuana grow

The Pot Boss of Bruce Crossing: Greedy, Rogue Medical Marijuana Kingpin from Ontonagon County is sent away loses lots of property and apparently small amount of cash – plus his freedom

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U.P. Breaking News Exclusive – read the sentencing and forfeiture paperwork

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

(Marquette, MI) – A federal judge in Marquette threw the book at the leader of a rogue medical marijuana growing operation after he admitted producing hundreds of pounds of illegal weed out of his Ontonagon County grow – while operating what were to appear as legal medical marijuana clinics.

56-year-old Troy Spencer Ward of Bruce Crossing, MI was sentenced to over 12 and one half years (151 months) without parole at a federal prison to be determined.

Ward was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov 29, 2017 by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney.

Ward had pleaded guilty to count four of a third superseding indictment in federal court at Marquette, Michigan. All others charges were dropped under an agreement with federal prosecutors. While the operation was more massive, Ward was allowed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with in tent to distribute 100 or more marijuana plants and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The government gets to seize Ward’s numerous Ontonagon County properties including 14747 N. Paynesville Road in Bruce Crossing, MI plus about $11,800 in cash from raids at his home and at Ward’s marijuana dispensary stores in Iron River, Watersmeet, and Marquette. There is an approx. $450,000 value cap on forfeitures against Ward, but only small amounts of cash were listed in the documents.

There were numerous other co-defendants in this case and most have received plea agreements and prison terms between a year and 30 months.

A seizure report was drafted by United States Marshals Service Senior Inspector Jesse Lake. Numerous motions in this case and that of its co-defendants were heard by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley. The federal prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Maarten Vermaat.

Scroll down to read sentencing and forfeiture documents.

The judge recommended that the the U.S. Bureau of Prisons find the following for Ward:

1. Receive a substance assessment and recommended treatment

2. Screened for participation in the 500-hour Residential Drug Abuse Program.

3. Designated to the correctional facility best able to address his medical needs and to a correctional facility close to his home in Michigan

In almost 13 years, Ward will have to live life on the outside with these conditions:

Special conditions of supervision:
1. Participate in a program of testing and treatment for substance abuse, as directed by the probation officer, and follow the rules and regulations of that program until such time as you are released from the program by the probation officer, and shall pay at least a portion of the cost according to your ability, as determined by the probation officer.
2. Must not use or possess any controlled substances without a valid prescription. If you do have a valid prescription, you must follow the instructions on the prescription. Must not possess, use, or sell marijuana or any marijuana derivative (including THC) in any form (including edibles) or for any purpose (including medical purposes). Prohibited from entering any marijuana dispensary or grow facility.
3. Must not possess or be the primary user of any cellular phone without prior permission from the probation officer. If given permission to use/possess a cell phone, you must provide the number to the probation officer and the phone must be maintained in your name or another name approved in advance by the probation officer. Must provide the probation officer with your monthly cellular and home telephone bills with each monthly report form and must report any cellular telephone you have has used or own on each report form

Forfeitures/related:

September 22, 2017 – November 29, 2017
Order of Forfeiture for a Money Judgment issued September 29, 2017
Preliminary Order of Forfeiture for Substitute Assets issued November 29, 2017

2017 Troy Spencer Ward Judgment on 11-29-30

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (4)

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (3)

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (2)

2017 Troy Spencer Ward forfeiture info Sept-Nov 17 (1)

Related stories:

https://www.facebook.com/UpperPeninsulaBreakingNews/posts/1765984186957646
https://www.michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/topic/50801-multi-million-dollar-pot-growing-ring-plus-several-dispensaries-raided/
https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/tag/spencer-troy-ward/

The Wire: Capturing Meth suspects in their own words – informant wears a wire to gather evidence on a Gogebic County woman

Confidential informant leads police to a half pound of meth, arrest of Kathryn Hellen of Gogebic County

By Greg Peterson
Upper Peninsula Breaking News
News Director/Co-Owner
906-273-2433

(Ontonagon, MI) – An ongoing state and federal meth investigation in the western Upper Peninsula has arrested a at least one person – and there are indications there are more arrests.

DEA agents say 27-year-old Kathryn Maria Hellen of Ironwood, MI “knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine and possess meth with intent to distribute” on Oct. 13, 2017 in Ontonagon County, MI.

If convicted, of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Hellen faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a million dollar fine. Plus a supervised release that could last her entire life.

Drug agents were investigating Hellen and sent a confidential informant to buy meth from her – and that informant was wearing a wire. After her arrested, agents searched Hellen’s home. The feds say they found 220 grams methamphetamine – or almost a half a pound of the highly addictive white crystals.

The search also turned up just over $3,000 in cash, a loaded handgun, numerous zip lock bags commonly used to distribute drugs and two digital scales, according to the complaint sworn to by DEA Special agent Jeffrey K. Pokey. Hellen allegedly admitted to investigators that she is a meth addict.

Hellen told investigators she had recently purchased $5,000 worth of meth from a Wausau, WI area man she had recently met and described as an “Asian male,” according to the criminal complaint. Hellen was busted after a undercover probe and stakeout of a residence on Pennsylvania Ave. in Ontonagon. The informant was wearing a wire.

A hearing is scheduled on Nov. 15 before U.S. Magistrate Timothy P. Greeley on a motion by her attorney – Karl P. Numinen of Marquette – to withdraw from the case due to a conflict of interest Numinen states he hopes the judge will allow “him to withdraw as counsel due to the potential for a conflict of interest arising out of his law partner Keith DeForge’s representation of an interested party.”

In 2010 and 2013, Hellen was arrested on drunken driving related charges. She is currently undergoing substance abuse treatment at the Great Lakes Recovery Center in Sault Ste. Marie, MI

U.P. Breaking News is following this and other breaking news stories on the meth, heroin and opioid crisis that is destroying young people in the U.P. and across the world.